On 29 April, Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh OBE gave his inaugural lecture, marking his appointment as Nuffield Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences and Head of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford.
Titled ‘Catalysing the Data-enabled Transformation of Health - Globally’, the lecture took place at Oxford’s historic Examination Schools, and was hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey CBE. She introduced the event by celebrating the Department’s practical impact on health care, its values driven and inclusive culture and the significance of Professor Sheikh’s leadership at a time of global change and opportunity.
Bringing together colleagues, collaborators and health leaders from across the world of medicine, the event offered a chance to reflect on Professor Sheikh’s journey in medicine and research - to hear his vision for transforming health care through data, innovation and inclusivity. The lecture traced Professor Sheikh's personal and professional path - from his early life in Karachi, Pakistan, to growing up in East London, training in medicine at UCL, and building an academic career focused on improving health care.
Apparent throughout was the strong influence that family, community, and an unwavering belief in equity have had for Professor Sheikh. He spoke movingly about the people and experiences that have shaped his work, sharing candid insights from his formative years and reflecting openly on his journey, one he likened to a rikshaw ride - not always comfortable or straight forward, but survivable and lively, nonetheless.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences website.